“Dirty Money”…”Sacrilege!”…5 minutes around the beautiful lady (South East Digest)...

“Dirty Money”

There is this Yoruba saying that “owo igbe ko kin run”.  Gadhafi, that executive super bodyguard (of the MKO Abiola fame) who later turned “shitpreneur” (wastes recycling industrialist) translated that Yoruba saying so very well when he said “shit money no dey smell”.

Available data indicate that Nigeria generates over 60 million tonnes of wastes annually.  Regrettably, less than five percent of these wastes are recycled.  Wastes recycling are therefore a potential money spinner for our teeming youths.

The Anambra State Government and the Enugu State Government are already addressing this huge waste to wealth opportunity through private public partnerships.

The Enugu State Government, through its SME Centre, now provides loans to interested youth entrepreneurs to participate in this large and growing industry of wastes recycling.  A good example is the Green Axis, a farm owned by youths whose video on wastes recycling went viral last week.

The Anambra State Government, through its wastes management agency, ASWAMA,  has for the past six years been pursuing an aggressive policy of encouraging wastes recycling, particularly, plastic wastes.  The agency is soon to launch its own private public partnership on wastes recycling targeted at youths.

In another development, ASWAMA is coordinating a number of volunteer organisations and individuals to raise “TEAM ANAMBRA” in the forthcoming, September 26, 2020, “5 Million Plastic Challenge” as part of the Earth Festival (Earthfest) being organized by Humanity Nigeria and Guinness World records.

The festival targets to remove “5 Millon plastic bottles” from the gutters, drainages, waterways, and dumps across Nigeria, within the five days of September 22 to 27, 2020.  About 30 States have indicated interest in participating.

Early last week, Team Anambra gathered 9,000 plastic bottles from a catchment pit opposite Obiano Park, Onitsha, within 3 hours.  The unit featured Red Cross Society, Girl Guides, The Scout, Environmental Ethics and Safety Corps, Rotaracts from Oko Polytechnic, among others.

Yesterday, hunting from 9a.m. to 11.00 in a less than 100 meters span of the gutter in Igbariam Campus of the Chukwuemeka Odumegu  Ojukwu University, Team Anambra harvested 4,700 plastic bottles lurking deadly under some creeping grasses and weeds in the gutters.

ASWAMA and its Enugu State counterpart are waiting for your call.

”Sacrilege!”

Chinua Achebe and our other forebears who sought to cement and promote Igbo cultures and traditions must be turning around in their graves.  Our traditions say that “anu ewu na kali nruli” (a goat is too big to be roasted).  What would they say when they see us roasting a whole cow now?  I can hear somebody saying “ome nenu!”.  “Against our traditions!”

Well, if you are spending over USD 14 million, you just might be permitted, albeit slightly to modify tradition.

That was precisely what Rotech Energy Services did last week when Governor Willie Obiano performed the formal ground breaking ceremony of their Anambra Luxury Place estate at Nkwelle Ezunaka GRA, in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.  The project which is a public, private partnership between the Anambra State Government, through its investment agency, ANSIPPA, and Rotech Energy Services Limited, is according to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rotech Energy Services Limited, Chief Austine Oguejiofor, part of his response to Governor Obiano’s “Thinkhome” call, “Aku Luo Uno”.

Speaking during the occasion Governor Obiano said that it is highly imperative for ndi Igbo who mainly live a nomadic business lifestyle, to bring more investments to their respective home States.

Igbo Leaders gather to witness the reopening of Enugu Int'l Airport

Governors of the South East geo-political zone and other leaders of the zone, last Sunday, converged on the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to witness the historic reopening and inauguration of the newly rehabilitated runway of the airport, expressing deep appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for acceding to their yearnings by approving and releasing the sum of N10 billion for the rehabilitation of the airport.

Speaking during the reopening of the airport which was closed on August 24, 2019, for a comprehensive rehabilitation of the runway and other facilities, the Igbo leaders also commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his exceptional commitment, resilience and sacrifice towards the actualization of the project. They also appreciated other South East governors for their individual and collective contributions to the completion of the project.

They equally paid tribute to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, for his untiring efforts in ensuring that the airport runway was rehabilitated to standard as one of the best in the country, against all challenges.

President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, among others, thanked President Buhari and the South East Governors, especially Gov. Ugwuanyi for the reopening of all-important airport, stressing that it will go a long way to enhance commercial activities in the zone, and safety of air travelers.

They therefore urged the federal government to ensure that the ongoing construction of the Cargo terminal and International wing of the airport were also completed as scheduled.  

Speaking on behalf of the South East Governors and other leaders of the zone, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State thanked President Buhari for expressly approving a special funding (N10 billion) for the rehabilitation of the Enugu airport as well as the special release of the fund.

Governor Umahi also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Sirika for displaying a special character worthy of emulation, in seeing that the project was realized.

Senator Sirika expressed absolute gratitude to President Buhari for giving approval of N10 billion to undertake rehabilitation of the runway and other works, which include taxi way, link way, emergency operation centre, car park, entrance gate, perimeter fencing, perimeter wall, terminal rehabilitation, instrument landing system to allow landing even in bad weather, among others.

The Minister lauded Governor Ugwuanyi for his unwavering support and the assistance he has given to us in the course of this project.

In his welcome address, Governor Ugwuanyi who appreciated the unparalleled commitment of President Buhari to the infrastructural upgrade of the airport, disclosed that the Enugu State government in its determination to provide the enabling environment and needed support to ensure the quick completion of rehabilitation works undertook and provided the required support.

According to the Governor, the support includes, complete removal of all encroachment on the airport facility; removal and relocation of the 120-meter Enugu State Broadcasting Service TV/Radio Mast and Transmission Station; removal, demolition and relocation of the Orie Emene market;  construction of a 1.3km asphalt road to the Very High Directional Radio Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (V.O.R/D.M.E) navigation facility at Emene; Provision of finance for the upgrade and refurbishment of existing toilet facility in the terminal building, among others.

Governor Ugwuanyi who noted that it was indeed an enormous sacrifice on the part of the government and good people of Enugu State, pointed out that it was a sacrifice worth the while, with the historic event of the reopening of the newly rehabilitated airport.

He also appreciated his fellow South East Governors, the Minister of Aviation, Senator Sirika and other stakeholders, for their efforts and commitment to the actualization of the project.

Dignitaries at the event included Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Imo State Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku, Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, Senator Smart Adeyemi, Senator Jim Nwobodo, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Prince Arthur Eze, Dr. Chris Ngige, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, members of the National Assembly from the zone, the Obi of Onitsha, HRM, Igwe Alfred Achebe, among others.

(A digest of latest reports on the Economy, Industry, Politics, Sports, and developments around the South East of Nigeria)

ABIA STATE

E4E Agency moves to partner Ministry of SME

The management of Abia State Education for Employment AGENCY (E4E), led by the Director General, Mr. Endi Ezengwa, last Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of SME in Umuahia.  The visit, primarily, was to intimate the Commissioner Mr. Onyema Wachukwu on the activities of the Agency.  Mr. Ezengwa took time to explain the concept of E4E, its core mandate and activities carried out since inception. Responding, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of SME Mr. Nkwachukwu Agomuoh thanked the DG for coming. He reiterated their willingness to collaborate with E4E Agency to harmonize the activities of the SMEs and bring them to an acceptable standard across their various trades.

He said that the Ministry has a roadmap for implementing policies as it affects the SMEs and stand ready to help them in terms of market accessibility and other incentives to grow their businesses. He promised the Ministry's assistance and cooperation in the quest to sanitize the SME sector to be able to drive the economy optimally. The highlight of the meeting was an agreement to further discussions going forward and a possible Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and E4E Agency.

Abia State going kinetic!!

Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, last Tuesday, continued the State wide project inspection and commissioning programme tagged "Kinetic Abia" with the commissioning of Umuibe-Umuokereke--Ntighauzo ring Road, Umuene-Obikabia Road and the unveiling of Paul Ururuka Statue at Obikabia Junction.

Speaking at the site of Umuibe-Umuokereke--Ntighauzo ring Road, Obingwa Local Government Area of the State, Governor Ikpeazu informed that the construction of the road was the beginning of many other road projects to be constructed around that area.  He disclosed that the second phase of the road project which will stretch to Akpaa would be completed before December this year and assured that the contractor would equally deliver a quality work on the road.

At the commissioning of the second phase of the Umuene-Obikabia road and unveiling of the Ururuka Statue built at the Obikabia Round-about, the Abia helmsman, while noting that the road would be strategic to the enhancement of economic activities within Aba, its environs as well as Isialangwa North and South Areas of the State said the road was now an alternative route to Aba and Umuahia.

Osokwa-Aro-Umuejie-Omoba road almost ready

The 9.3km Osokwa-Aro-Umuejie-Omoba Road in Osisioma Local Government Area being constructed by the Okezie Ikpeazu administration will be commissioned within the next two weeks.  Governor Okezie Ikpeazu disclosed this while inspecting the progress of work on the road as part of his State wide inspection and commissioning of projects tagged "Kinetic Abia".

The Governor, who observed that he was inspired to embark on the project as a result of the difficulty being experienced by the people in accessing the major roads for the evacuation of their farm produce, expressed delight in the progress so far recorded. He said the road is strategic to the economic development of the people of Osisioma and Isiala Ngwa South LGAs, as the third alternative rural access route to Omoba city. In his words “We will continue to deliver key road projects that will help ventilate Aba and make access to socioeconomic nerves of the city easier for our people and visitors. Our objective remains to add to the road infrastructure stock in a manner that will ensure that administrations after us do not have to go back to same roads we have done”.

ANAMBRA STATE

Anambra State targets to increase Rice Production to 475,000 metric tons

Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Nnamdi Onukwuba, said last week that the Obiano administration has created enabling environment for agricultural production and agro-businesses to thrive in the State.  Speaking at a media interface tagged “Meet the Media”, at Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, Commissioner Onukwuba stressed that it is the major responsibility of government to create environment that will make business ventures viable.

The Commissioner recalled that at inception, Governor Obiano who inherited agriculture production in its low ebb, became the first Governor to draw up policies to aid exportation of agro-products, including pumpkin and yam, among others.  According to the Commissioner said that apart from the fact that the registered Anambra rice gained momentum, the policy engendered collaboration with private individuals to develop the sector, pointing out that partnership with private millers increased rice production from 80,000 metric tons his administration met to 345,000 metric tons, with a projection of 475,000 metric tons in 2020.

He noted that the market is growing, while about 5,000 people are involved in vegetable production and disclosed that government is working hard to resuscitate oil palm venture which used to be the mainstay of the economy.  He advocated the establishment of Ogbo Mmanu for oil palm production, urging communities to develop oil palm production, while stressing the need to establish Oil Palm Development Agency and disclosed that a memo has been sent to the Governor in that regard.

The Commissioner, noted that the State livestock production recently instituted “efi Igbo” Association and revealed that a new federal government loan of two hundred million naira will be accessed by nine states, with particular interest in poultry, piggery and honey production and called on the people to support the present administration, which he said is genuinely concerned about the welfare of the masses.

Anambra State Government presents Innoson SUV Vehicles to State Traditional Rulers

Anambra State Government has presented over 150 Innoson Ikenga SUV vehicles to all the traditional rulers in Anambra State.  Governor Willie Obiano made the presentation at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, last Friday. 

Describing Innoson as the only vehicle manufacturing company in Nigeria whose talent is unparalleled, Governor Obiano who commended all duly recognized and certified Traditional rulers, disclosed  that the  presentation  was long planned before the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.   While expressing optimism that they will put the vehicles to maximum use,  the Governor charged them to continue to champion peace in their various communities, reiterating that he works well with Ndi Igwe having given them a lot of incentives, notable among which is increment of their monthly allowances  by thirty five percent.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Greg Obi who stressed that Governor Obiano has a good relationship with traditional rulers pointing out that he influenced the law of the state to reflect the clause that Anambra Traditional rulers are the chief security officers of their respective communities.

The National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Oye in his speech  said that Governor Obiano has demonstrated  ingenuity in governance  in all sectors   and extolled  the high personality of  Traditional rulers in the state, urging them to reciprocate the Governor’s gesture  justifying the confidence reposed in them.

Appreciating the gesture on behalf of the Traditional Rulers’ Council, the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers and traditional ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, said that the gesture is further demonstration of   government’s responsiveness  to them and reassured of  their support.

The event was witnessed by members of the state House of Assembly led by its Speaker  Right. Honourable . Uche Okafor,  former Governors Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife and  Dame Virgy Etiaba, Senator Victor Umeh, Former CBN Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, members of the state executive council, and civil servants, among others.

Highpoint  of the ceremony was symbolic presentation of the keys to Igwe Achebe who received them on behalf of the Traditional rulers.

Innoson Vehicles are made in Nnewi, Anambra State, by Chief Innocent Chukwuma’s Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company.

Flooding:  Anambra Government urges members of riverine communities to relocate to safer areas

Following reports by the Nigerian Hydrological Services that Communities and States on the banks of the River Niger and Benue will be affected by sustained heavy rains expected this month in West African countries through which the River Niger runs its course, the Anambra State Government has advised people in flood-prone Communities to get ready to vacate these places and move to safer areas.

The Communities in the following local government areas that will be affected are Anambra West, Anambra East, Onitsha South, Onitsha North, Ogbaru, Ihiala, Ayamelum, and Awka North.

A statement signed the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C-Don Adinuba said the Anambra State Government is providing holding centres where the affected people will stay until floods recede ,adding that Anambra State Emergency Management Agency has been given a list of the designated centres.

According to the statement, these centres will be provided with clean water, mattresses, bed sheets, blankets, mosquito nets, buckets and all necessary sanitary facilities.  It added that they will also be given drugs, and medical personnel like doctors, nurses while pharmacists will be available to attend to them promptly as Water ambulances will, in addition, be made available.

According to the statement Security agencies drawn from the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Anambra State Vigilante Group will ensure excellent security.

The statement urged Chairmen of the Transition Committees of the affected Local Government Areas to get in touch with State Emergency Management Agency for briefing on the implementation of the measures to mitigate the impact of the heavy floods.

New Yam Festivals

It’s that season of Iwaji (New Yam festivals) again.  Several communities across Anambra State, including Umueri, Isseke, and Onne, held their New Yam festivals last week.  The Awkuzu community holds its own New Yam festival today.

EBONYI STATE

Uche Secondus: Umahi Has Performed Miracle in Ebonyi State

National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus says he is awestruck by the galaxy of projects put in place by Engineer David Umahi, Governor of Ebonyi State.   Secondus who stated this  during the grand finale rally for LGA election in Ebonyi, held at the Ngele Oruta Stadium, Abakaliki, the State capital, also noted that what is said in newspapers and social media is not even compared to what is going on in Ebonyi State under Governor Umahi.

He described Umahi as a god-fearing leader, full of capacity and courage to execute projects that will outlive him attributing the unprecedented development of the state to Umahi's godly approach to governance.

The PDP National leader who came along with other national Executive Members said characteristics of PDP governors, Umahi has made not only the people of Ebonyi proud but also the party owing to the decoration of the state with massive projects and the people are happy.

Secondus revealed he benchmarked the development going on in the state with allocation from the Federal Government and other accruals which prompted him to ask where such huge resources are coming from.

ENUGU STATE

Airport Roundabout commissioned

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, shortly after the reopening of the rehabilitated runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, last Sunday, unveiled the newly reconstructed and beautified airport roundabout with a monumental aircraft statue by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), in memory of the 51 passengers and 2 crew members who lost their lives on Monday, November 28, 1983, aboard Nigeria Airways F28-2000 aircraft, on a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Enugu but crashed (3.2km) short of the runway and caught fire after a steep approach in poor visibility.

The Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji and the Executive Chairman of ECTDA, Dr. Josef Umunnakwe Onoh, witnessed the brief ceremony.

Enugu State at 29  

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, last week joined leaders and members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, at their Secretariat in Enugu, to commemorate the 29th anniversary of the creation of Enugu State, amid excitement.  Speaking at the occasion, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, extolled Governor Ugwuanyi’s exemplary leadership qualities, commending him for his peace and good governance initiatives.

Chief Nwodo described Governor Ugwuanyi as a leader, who does not segregate or promote division among the political class and beyond, congratulating him for removing partisan politics from his executive responsibilities.  The President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, used the opportunity to highlight other remarkable achievements of Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration, with the state’s lean resources.

He disclosed that because of the existing peace in the State and the investment-friendly atmosphere the governor has created to attract investors, Enugu was recently among the top six economically viable states in the entire country that can survive without federal allocations, and the only state in the South East geo-political zone that achieved such an enviable and commendable feat.

Other major highlights of the event were the induction of eminent indigenes of Enugu State into the Ohanaeze Hall of Honour and the cutting of the anniversary cake.

Dignitaries at the occasion include the former Governor of old Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo (right), the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, the President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State chapter, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, among others.

Enugu introduces farm utility vehicles

Enugu State Government last week distributed 34 units of Hand Tractors known as Farm Utility Vehicle (FUV) to the 17 Local Government Councils in Enugu State.  The programme is aimed at enhancing Agri-business in Enugu State using the rural farmers (Local Government) as a foundation for that vision.

IMO STATE

Sports Industry worth $500b

The Special Adviser to the Imo State Government on Diaspora Affairs in Nigeria, has revealed that the engagement of Imo Diaspora Athletes will unlock the opportunities in sports industry which according to her is estimated to be US $500 Billion yearly.  She stated that Imo Diaspora Office is on a mission to fish out both present and past international athletes from Imo State.

The reason is to harness all their wealth of knowledge to stimulate sustainable socio economic growth through Sports. In her words “The Sports industry is estimated to be worth 500 billion U.S Dollars yearly and it is time for Imo to command a significant stake in the net worth of the Sports industry; the only way to achieve this quickly is by engaging our international athletes”.

Imo State is now awakened to a new wave, a fresh breeze of ‘hope’ as Hon. Mr. Daniel Oguh, the Commissioner for Sports has thrown his weight behind the Diaspora Athletes Engagement Initiative.  The Sports Commissioner has to this regard convened a strategic meeting and has thrown his full weight behind the actualization of this initiative stating that “Governor Hope Uzodinma has come to rehabilitate, recover and reconstruct Imo and through every sector this Government will deliver its promise to all nde Imo”.